vandalize
B1General, Semi-formal to Formal
Definition
Meaning
To deliberately damage or destroy property, especially public property.
To wilfully and maliciously deface, mar, or destroy something of value, often with no purpose beyond causing destruction or expressing anger. Figuratively, can refer to ruining or spoiling something abstract like a reputation or idea.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Carries a strong negative moral judgement. Implies intentional, senseless destruction. While often associated with public property, it can apply to any owned property. The agent is a 'vandal'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling. UK prefers 'vandalise', US uses 'vandalize'. The meaning and usage are identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations of senseless, criminal destruction in both variants.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties, used in similar contexts (news reports, official statements, everyday complaints).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] vandalized [Object].[Object] was vandalized (by [Subject]).Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(none directly for the verb; related noun phrase: 'an act of vandalism')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in reports of damage to commercial premises or assets. 'The shop front was vandalized overnight.'
Academic
Used in sociology, criminology, or urban studies to describe anti-social behaviour. 'The study examines the factors that lead youths to vandalize public spaces.'
Everyday
Common in news reports and community complaints. 'Someone vandalised the bus shelter with spray paint.'
Technical
Used in legal contexts (vandalism as a crime), insurance claims, and police reports.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The youths were caught trying to vandalise the historic monument.
- Several phone boxes have been vandalised in the city centre.
American English
- Protesters vandalized several storefronts during the riot.
- Our mailbox gets vandalized every Halloween.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard. Use phrases like 'in a vandalistic manner'.)
American English
- (Not standard. Use phrases like 'in a vandalistic way'.)
adjective
British English
- (Derived: 'vandalised') The vandalised playground equipment was removed for repair.
- (Agent noun as modifier: 'vandal') Vandal behaviour is a persistent problem.
American English
- (Derived: 'vandalized') The vandalized car was a total loss.
- (Agent noun as modifier: 'vandal') The vandal act was captured on security camera.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The bad boys vandalized the wall.
- Someone vandalised our car last night by scratching the paint.
- The park bench was vandalized and had to be replaced.
- The ancient statue was severely vandalised, with its nose and hands broken off.
- The police are investigating a series of incidents where public buildings have been vandalized with offensive slogans.
- Critics accused the developer of vandalising the city's architectural heritage with the insensitive new design.
- The online database was digitally vandalized by hackers, who corrupted thousands of entries.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a VAN full of DALS (nonsense word) who IZE (organize) destruction. A van organising senseless damage = vandalize.
Conceptual Metaphor
DESTRUCTION IS A PLAGUE / DESTRUCTION IS SAVAGERY (from the historical Vandals, a tribe stereotyped as destructive).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'вандализм' (vandalism) – the noun is a direct cognate, but the verb is 'совершать акт вандализма', 'разрушать' or 'портить'. A direct verb 'вандализировать' is extremely rare/unnatural in Russian.
Common Mistakes
- Using it for accidental damage. (Incorrect: 'I vandalized my phone by dropping it.')
- Spelling: 'vandalise' (UK) vs. 'vandalize' (US).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST example of 'vandalize'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is most commonly used for public property, but it correctly applies to any property (private cars, homes, etc.) that is wilfully and senselessly damaged.
'Vandalize' implies malicious, often petty defacement or partial damage, typically without stealing. 'Destroy' is more total and final. A vandalized building is damaged; a destroyed building is rubble.
The noun is 'vandalism'. A person who does it is a 'vandal'.
Yes, figuratively. E.g., 'The editor vandalized my manuscript with unnecessary changes,' meaning they spoiled it in a crude or insensitive way.